Loading...
UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on regionalism
Multilateral negotiations face increasing fragmentation driven by geopolitical tensions and the rise of unilateral trade-restrictive measures. In this challenging environment, regional and megaregional initiatives offer a pragmatic and flexible alternative, particularly for countries seeking to maintain momentum on trade liberalization and economic cooperation. Originally conceived as complementary to multilateralism, regional trade agreements provide dynamic platforms for cooperation among geographically and economically like-minded countries. They can contribute to expanding markets, attracting investment, creating jobs and fostering inclusive development. The long-standing support of UNCTAD for regional integration, including through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Global System of Trade Preferences, continues to be instrumental in advancing on this path. Discussions at this round table will explore how open regionalism can respond to the present trade challenges through offering the predictability and certainty needed for sustainable economic growth. To guide the…
UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on reimagining trade
International trade is critical for economic growth in developing countries, driving job creation, investment and public revenue to finance development, among others. Trade policy can also be leveraged to promote broader development goals such as poverty reduction, social inclusion and economic diversification. However, the predictability of the trade policy paradigm within the international trading system has been gradually eroded by the need to respond to growing imbalances, shocks and shifting policies. Such developments disproportionately affect developing countries. Discussions at this round table, including to guide the future work of UNCTAD in reimagining an international trade system with development at its core, will address how trade policy can adapt to emerging global realities and promote development beyond export growth. Two subpanels will explore the role of domestic policies and the importance of a supportive international framework. Find out more: https://unctad.org/unctad16/ministerial-roundtable-reimagining-trade-broader-path-development…
UNCTAD16 opening ceremony
The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) will take place from 20 to 23 October 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, with the theme “Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development”. Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, the conference will convene ministers of trade and economy, leaders of international organizations, representatives of civil society, the private sector, youth and renowned experts to engage in high-level dialogue on global trends and policy perspectives on trade, finance and debt, investment, development and the digital economy. Website: https://unctad.org/unctad16…
UNCTAD16 press conference with Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan (13 October 2025)
PRESS CONFERENCE: UN Conference on Trade and Development to convene in Geneva amid major trade shift As the global economy undergoes tectonic shifts in trade, finance and technology, global economic and development leaders will gather in Geneva this month to chart a path through mounting uncertainty and fragmentation. Ahead of the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan outlined how countries can navigate record debt, disrupted supply chains, volatile investment flows and accelerating digital transformation. Hosted by Switzerland, UNCTAD16 (20-23 October, Palais de Nations) will bring together minsters of trade and finance, heads of international organizations, Nobel laureates and leading economists to explore ways to make them global economy more predictable, inclusive and sustainable. “Development is not a luxury, it’s a necessity”, Ms. Grynspan says. “We need to rebuild trust in an economy that works for everyone.” UNCTAD16 website: https://unctad.org/unctad16 Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/unctad/albums/72177720329632941/…
UNCTAD16 press conference: Launch of the Sevilla Forum on Debt
Born from the commitments made at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) and launched during the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), the Sevilla Forum on Debt marks a new chapter in creating fairer, more sustainable solutions for developing countries. Speakers: António Guterres, UN Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General, UNCTAD Carlos Cuerpo, Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Spain Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Watch the press conference held on 22 October 2025: https://www.unognewsroom.org/story/en/2877/unog-rush-presser-22oct2025 https://unctad.org/meeting/unctad16-press-conference-launch-sevilla-forum-debt Follow live #UNCTAD16: https://unctad.org/unctad16 #ShapingTheFuture…